Tony Smotherman Guitar and Sitar Tony Smotherman was born November 1, 1979 in Athens, Greece. At the age of 15, Tony was introduced to the music of Johan Sebastian Bach. He immediately purchased all the Bach he could get his hands on. His passion for Bach inspired him to take classical guitar lessons. Within a few months Tony was practicing at least six hours a day, . It was during Tony's senior year that one of his teachers submitted some of Tony's musical work to Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen not only received his music, but also sent notes of encouragement, describing his classical guitar skills as "highly sophisticated." Tony wanted to explore a different side of guitar, and bought his first electric . His Early influences were Jimi Hendrix and Yngwie Malmsteen. In mid 2000, Tony began to experiment with the sitar and sarod, two important instruments in Northern Indian classical music. Tony became motivated to create his own musical style, using the techniques and vital nuances that bring the vocal-like quality of Indian music to the electric guitar but expanding into other styles. In 2002, he released his first CD, Embracing the Spirit. This release was the beginning of Tony's musical journey and fascination of many other musical styles other than Rock . In 2003, he was asked to contribute one song to the Finnish Label Lion Music, for the tribute album "Shawn Lane Remembered". After the release of "Embracing the Spirit", Tony was honored by the Hard Rock Cafe with a guitar display in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Continuing to follow a unique musical approach, a style and sound all his own began to emerge . Tony's musical world incorporates styles of Rock, Eastern Music, Blues, Funk , open tunings and more . Tony has opened for and played with a vast array of national and international touring acts including Buddy Miles, Rick Derringer,Leon Russell, and Adrian Legg. He has also released two instructional videos, Virtuoso Techniques released in 2002 and Licks of the Absurd released in mid 2006. Tony also has endorsements with Halo Guitars, Line 6, DR Strings, EMG Pick-ups, Stylus Picks,Coffin Cases and Mid-East Musical Instruments. Tony Signed a recording deal in late 2006 with Vision Sound Records in Florida . Vision Sound Records released Tony's 2nd CD "The Light Within" February 16th 2007 . The New album is an exploration of Melodic Rock, Cosmic funky grooves, Neo-Classical explorations,World music and intricate Acoustic Compositions . Joining Tony on this release on Keyboards is world-reknowed keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Planet X ,Ex-Dream Theater) and Grammy Award Winning Indian Slide Guitar Virtuoso, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Acclaimed bassist Jon Reshard and Drummer Bruce Royal combine to create an incredible and versatile rhythm section.